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Cop hurt in shootout released from Vandy

Metro Police Officer John Downs, who was shot in the leg in a Sunday shootout that killed a 16-year-old robbery suspect, was released from Vanderbilt University Medical Center Wednesday afternoon.

Downs is expected to make a full recovery, although police said his recuperation could take months.

Police say the teen, Xavier McDonald, had barricaded himself inside a Nashboro Village condo when police arrived as part of a robbery investigation. Police said he shot Downs soon after walking out of the condo. Efforts to take McDonald into custody peacefully were unsuccessful.

The shooting comes amid a period of protests tied to incidents of alleged police brutality across the country. Similar protests have not developed surrounding the Nashville shooting.

Metro police on Monday made the rare decision to release interview footage tied to the ongoing shooting investigation. In a six-minute video clip, Sgt. Michelle Jones described talking with McDonald for about 40 minutes before the shooting.

Police Chief Steve Anderson and department spokesman Don Aaron said they broke with precedent to convey their efforts to take McDonald, a black teen, into custody without using lethal force.

Officer 'exceeds standards'

On Wednesday, the Tennessean reviewed personnel files for five of the officers involved in the shooting case.

In an evaluation completed earlier this year, Downs' supervisor said he "exceeds standards and makes sound judgments during high-risk operations."

Anderson said he was optimistic Downs would return to the department after he has recovered.

"I don't think he will leave any stone unturned in getting back to work," Anderson said.

The four Metro police officers who opened fire on McDonald were in good standing with the department at the time, according to personnel records.

Metro police are seeking the public's help in locating the third suspect in the armed robbery connected to Sunday's deadly police shooting.

An arrest warrant has been issued for James Leggett, 20, a convicted felon, who has been charged with aggravated robbery. Hermitage Precinct detectives say Legget's last known residence is on Calumet Drive, according to a news release from Metro police.

Police believe Leggett is an accomplice in the Sunday afternoon robbery of a man on Long Hunter Court. Leggett is accused of rifling through the victim's pickup truck with a 16-year-old girl while the teen killed in the shooting, Xavier McDonald, held the man at gunpoint, police said.

The robbery investigation is what led police to Long Hunter Court.

Leggett was convicted in October 2013 of burglary, felony theft and felony marijuana possession. He was placed on probation.

Police ask anyone who sees Leggett to call Crime Stoppers at 74-CRIME. Tips also can be sent by texting the word "CASH" along with the message to 274637 (CRIMES) or online at nashvillecrimestoppers.com.